Postherpetic Neuralgia

Postherpetic Neuralgia is secondary to the infection herpes zoster or a reactivation of an old chicken pox infection. It initially presents itself with a rash and aggressive pain. In the acute phase it is mostly treated with antiviral medications and at times sympathetic blocks are indicated and help to decrease the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia. Once a patient develops post herpetic neuralgia various classes of medications should be introduced. The use of spinal cord stimulation and use of implantable pumps are proven to be effective.